Two dozen cats were recently found locked in a car on a hot day. The cats were emaciated and left in the car for an estimated four days before rescuers found them. RSPCA inspectors gained access to the car with the help of police to save the animals. After rescue, they were taken to a veterinarian where they required care for dehydration, emaciation, and myriad other health issues.

If they had not been found, it’s extremely likely that these animals would have died. According to RSPCA Tasmania chief inspector Ray Kroeze, investigators are currently “considering” whether or not to lay charges in this incident.

Kroeze did go on to warn owners against leaving their animals in cars or other confined spaces. “Never leave animals alone for extended periods of time without proper planning for their care and attention,” he said. “It can lead to severe discomfort, dehydration, and even death,” he continued.

This cruel abandonment cannot go unpunished. If authorities decide not to go after the person responsible, they will send the message that animal cruelty is not taken seriously. Sign the petition below to demand that authorities go after the person who left these cats to die.

The RSPCA Tasmania has responded to this petition indicating:

“Unfortunately the media report does not accurately reflect the wider story behind this rescue event, therefore we believe this petition to be well intentioned but unwittingly misguided and unfair to RSPCA staff, who each day strive to care for and protect animals.
At no stage did RSPCA Tasmania state that we would not be laying charges. The investigation is not to that stage. I can say that this case is an unusual one and has presented particular challenges with the investigations, hence the advice to media that ‘investigations are continuing.’

Our first priority was to rescue and provide care for the animals and then continue with tracking down the car ‘s (and possibly the cats’) owner. This work is ongoing and if evidence of wrongdoing or illegal acts become available to us then we would of course use all our powers to enforce the laws.”

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Kroeze,

Two dozen cats were recently found abandoned, locked in a car for an estimated four days. The cats were emaciated and had other health issues. They had to be rescued by RSPCA inspectors and police. If they had not been rescued, it’s quite likely that these animals would have died.

So far, though you have warned pet owners against leaving their animals in cars or other confined spaces, you have said that the RSPCA is only “considering” laying charges in relation to this abandonment. If the person responsible is allowed to get away without charges, this will send a message that animal cruelty is not taken seriously. We, the undersigned, demand that you work to find and punish the person responsible for this abandonment in order to ensure that no more animals are subjected to this same abuse.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Wenliang Chen

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I think it’s pretty sad that this guy isn’t in jail already. just one or two dogs left in a car and there would be tens of thousands of signatures. but it’s just cats so they only consider charges. and not even 7,500 signers